Hurricane Maria: Fearful NJ mom comes home from Puerto Rico

Passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico wait to board a flight to Newark Liberty Airport. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico.(Photo11: Bob Karp/Staff Photographer)Buy Photo

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - Doris Castro cradled her 8-month-old son in her plane seat, his chubby cheeks pressed her chest.

“There were the tickets, but they were about a thousand bucks,” said Castro, 32, of Vega Baja. “I have three kids. I can’t afford that right now.”

Then she heard about a last-minute humanitarian flight going to Newark, free of charge. She alerted her parents in Piscataway and got to the airport by 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Castro didn’t want to leave the island she’s called home for nine years, but on Wednesday she boarded a plane with more than 200 evacuees who lost their homes in Hurricane Maria or, like her, feared the economy would only get worse.

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United Airlines Captain Captain Jose Pasqual waves a Puerto Rican flag from the cockpit of a United 777 that just landed with Union Volunteer workers as well as 50 registered nurses, truck drivers, and machinists at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Kari Jones of Oakland, CA with the Registered Nurse Response Network takes a photo of some of the volunteers from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Terri Tate of Luling, LA with the Registered Nurse Response Network one of fifty volunteers from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Kari Jones of Oakland, CA with the Registered Nurse Response Network takes a photo of some of the volunteers from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Terri Tate of Luling, LA with the Registered Nurse Response Network one of fifty volunteers from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Natasha Sustache, Bronx Cardiology Nurse Practitioner, one of many volunteers from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United First officer Roger Phillips holds up a Puerto Rican flag as volunteers from around the country prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Secretary Treasurer National AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler speaks before a group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Secretary Treasurer National AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler speaks before a group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Secretary Treasurer National AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler speaks before a group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Secretary Treasurer National AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler speaks before a group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

A group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country listen to speakers as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

A group of more than 50 volunteer registered nurses from around the country listen to speakers as they prepare to leave Newark Liberty Airport to help out the relief effort in Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, Newark, NJ Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying into Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

A damaged building at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United Airlines Captain Alan Moses of Ft Lauderdale, FL waves a Puerto Rican flag from the cockpit of a United 777 that just landed with Union Volunteer workers as well as 50 registered nurses, truck drivers, and machinists at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United Airlines Captain Alan Moses of Ft Lauderdale, FL waves a Puerto Rican flag from the cockpit of a United 777 that just landed with Union Volunteer workers as well as 50 registered nurses, truck drivers, and machinists at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United Airlines Captain Alan Moses of Ft Lauderdale, FL waves a Puerto Rican flag from the cockpit of a United 777 that just landed with Union Volunteer workers as well as 50 registered nurses, truck drivers, and machinists at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United Flight Attendant Bobbie Mas hugs her husband David Morales after the two were reunited at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Morales, a United pilot has been working with the Coast Guard in San Juan since 9/25 and surprised his wife who flew down Wednesday morning from Newark Liberty Airport. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

United Flight Attendant Bobbie Mas gets a kiss from her husband David Morales after the two were reunited at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. Morales, a United pilot has been working with the Coast Guard in San Juan since 9/25 and surprised his wife who flew down Wednesday morning from Newark Liberty Airport. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Captain Greg Everhard hugs Flight Attendant Jennifer Grega after they arrived at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Arlene Barba and son Pedro Alejandro Barba, 10, doing some shopping for with their dog Cici at the Doggie Boutique at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport while they were waiting for a flight. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Elizabeth Romero of Hamilton NJ waiting for her flight at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico wait to board a flight to Newark Liberty Airport. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico wait to board a flight to Newark Liberty Airport. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico wait to board a flight to Newark Liberty Airport. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Passengers at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico wait to board a flight to Newark Liberty Airport. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

A man carrying a Puerto Rican flag prepares to board a flight out of Luis Munoz Marin International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some have waited days at the airport in hope of getting onto a plane after Hurricane Maria, a category 4 hurricane passed through the island on September 25. October 4, 2017, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Lilliam Velez gives a hug to her 3-year-old daughter Lyanne Rieskohl after flying from San Juan to Newark Liberty Airport. Puerto Ricans trying to escape the conditions after Hurricane Maria passed through the island, United Airlines brought 360 evacuees back to the mainland. October 4, 2017. Newark, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying from San Juan to Newark Liberty Airport, Puerto Ricans trying to escape the conditions after Hurricane Maria passed through the island, United Airlines brought 360 evacuees back to the mainland. October 4, 2017. Newark, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Terry Ross, a United employee from San Francisco, CA gives a hug to 1rst Officer Jose Raices after flying into Newark Liberty to meet her mother who just arrived from Puerto Rico, United Airlines bringing 360 evacuees back to the mainland. Many Puerto Ricans still are trying to escape the conditions after Hurricane Maria passed through the island, October 4, 2017. Newark, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Flying from San Juan to Newark Liberty Airport, Puerto Ricans trying to escape the conditions after Hurricane Maria passed through the island, United Airlines brought 360 evacuees back to the mainland. October 4, 2017. Newark, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

A Red Cross volunteer gives a Mickey Mouse doll to a little girl who just arrived at Newark Liberty Airport as Puerto Ricans are still trying to escape the conditions after Hurricane Maria passed through the island, United Airlines brought 360 evacuees back to the mainland. October 4, 2017. Newark, New Jersey
Bob Karp/Staff Photographer

Waiting game

In San Juan, relief workers say they see signs of improvement, but more than 90 percent of the island remains without electricity weeks after the hurricane. Many towns still lack running water.

Lines are shorter at gas stations in smaller towns. Now people spend three or for hours instead of 10.

Castro said she has seen long lines and rations at big-box stores. Earlier this week, she stopped by Sam’s Club and was only allowed to buy a 24-pack of water.

The lines and delays are just as long at the airports. Maria Meijas, a flight attendant from Elizabeth, said she encountered a woman in a wheelchair who had spent two days waiting for her flight. She brought on the woman to the Newark flight.

“I feel much better because at least I got one lady that’s been here for two days (on the plane),” she said. “I feel like at least I did something.”

‘Don’t forget about us’

Castro was born and raised in New Jersey. She moved to Puerto Rico in 2008 to start a master’s in neuroscience.

Now she and her husband run a bread factory.

“We were shut down for a week and a half. We had to reopen in another factory because the damage was really bad,” Castro said.

They started selling bread on the street instead of in the shop because they fear being robbed.

Castro left with the kids in big part because she feared the crime rate skyrocketing as people run short on cash.

“He’s staying for now,” she said. “We’re going to take it week by week,” she said.